Wine Spectator just released its score for B Cellars’ 2010 “Blend 24 Napa Valley,” and it scored 92 points!

Since I just posted about B Cellars last week, I wanted to share this news with you. The 2010 “Blend 24 Napa Valley” costs about $51, and 1600 cases were made.

High up on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, just before you get to Calistoga, there is a small winery named B Cellars. It is a young enterprise (started in 2003) yet is quickly garnering a reputation. I was curious. I had never had their wines, but it piqued my interest based on a rating that I had read on one of the wines. The obvious path was to set an appointment.

That day, I was very surprised to step into a clean and modern, yet cabin-like tasting room. Check out the pictures of the interior. It was very nice. There was a porch area where guests can do their tastings. As we stood at the bar to start our tasting, we enjoyed a white blend. To my knowledge, there are not a lot of white blends, yet that is the signature of B Cellars — to produce great wines with depth of flavor by blending varietals and wine lots to achieve quality wines during each vintage. I was impressed by the blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, with each varietal imparting different flavors and delivering balance. It was very nice; and, of course, I had to purchase some for home.

Picturesque views, mountainsides and vines, Seavey Vineyard is tucked out of the way and well worth the time to journey to Conn Valley to visit. The wines are the main event with great structure and a minerality that runs through the line-up. This is red territory, so there is not a white to be found — just be prepared for well-crafted wine that will age very gracefully. I opened their 2007 Cabernet a while ago; and, quite frankly, it knocked my socks off. Smooth, rich and complex, it was a delight to drink. I had to go back again to explore more.

I was first introduced to Jericho Canyon Vineyard many years ago when another winemaker bought grapes from this area to make Ramey Jericho Canyon. That was a big, muscular cabernet with structure, loamy tannins, and deep rich fruit which would cellar for a long time. My recent visit was an opportunity to rediscover Jericho Canyon Vineyards and taste the wine that the owners of Jericho Canyon now make and bottle under their own name. The wines still have those same great qualities and characteristics that I remember.

Jericho Canyon Vineyard is family owned, and the owners take great pride in honoring the land as they craft their wines. The founders and proprietors are Marla and Dale Bleecher. The property is sustainably farmed and certified Napa Green Land and Winery. It is nestled between the Palisades and Mt. St. Helena off of highway 128 in Calistoga. The vineyards sit at elevations between 200 and 1000 feet, and there are 40 acres under vine.

The sign says simply 2929. You would pass right by the entrance to this beautiful winery on Highway 29 north of St. Helena. There is no advertisement of what lies up the hill. Vineyard 29 has a quiet, stately elegance from your first approach to the massive double doors that open to a remarkably modern and techno savvy operation. This is a “By Appointment Only” winery where you need to book well in advance to enjoy the tour and tasting, yet it’s well worth the planning.

On your visit, you are welcomed into the winery through massive double doors. Up the stairs to the right is the office and a balcony where you begin your exploration of the impressive operation. From the balcony, you take in views of the valley floor with vineyards all around. Austin Gallion is in charge of hospitality, and he will lead you on a tour of the winery, talking about its beginnings and bringing you up to today’s operation — sipping great wine all the time, of course.